Raisin-Bread Stuffing
A flavorful stuffing with sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic orange zest, perfect for holiday meals or as a tasty appetizer with a warm, comforting profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté onions and celery in butter for 3 minutes.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then set aside.
- Grate 4 teaspoons of orange peel from oranges.
- Squeeze oranges to make 2 cups of orange juice, or add enough water to reach 1½ cups.
- Stir orange peel, dried basil, ground allspice, pepper, and salt into the walnut mixture.
- Place dried cubed raisin bread in a large bowl.
- Add orange juice and vegetable mixture to the bread cubes and toss to combine.
- Use 4 to 5 cups of the mixture to stuff an 8 to 10-pound turkey.
- Make balls of the remaining mixture, about ¼ cup each.
- Bake the balls in an oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Use the remaining mixture as appetizers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of water to mix with the orange juice. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can work as substitutes. To enhance the stuffing's texture, add sautéed mushrooms or diced apples. This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, making it a perfect choice for holiday meals. If you're looking for more ideas, browse more vegetarian recipes for additional stuffing options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffing as a side dish alongside your favorite roasted meats or as a hearty appetizer by shaping it into balls. It pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce and a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes and gravy. This versatile dish is also great as a base for a vegetarian entree.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin-Bread Stuffing contains roughly 519 calories, with 10g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1254mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and assemble it into the turkey or bake the balls before serving. Just ensure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying.
What can I use instead of raisin bread?
If raisin bread is unavailable, you can substitute it with any dried fruit bread or even plain bread mixed with a bit of cinnamon and sugar to mimic the sweetness. Just ensure the bread is dried out for the best texture.
Is this stuffing suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses butter and vegetables. Just ensure that any additional broth or stock you might use is also vegetarian-friendly. It makes a great option for those looking to enjoy American recipes during the holidays.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).